John Denys ALSTON F.R.A.M. F.R.C.O. [2605]

Born: 1914

Marriage: Gwyneth ALBAN [4872]

Died: 9 Mar 1996 aged 82

Cause of his death was from injuries sustained in a fall in his home.

General Notes:

Denys was educated at Fernden School 1922-27; Awarded a Gibbs Choral Scholarship to Lancing College 1927-32; Organist Christchurch Albany St N.W.1 1932-34; Royal Academy of Music 1933-36 (Stainer Exhibitioner 1933/34/35); A.R.C.O. 1935; F.R.C.O. 1936; Denstone College Organist/Director of Music 1936-41; A.R.A.M. 1942, Officer in J.T.C., Capt in Home Guard; Worldwide Examiner for Royal Schools of Music 1948 on; Director of Music Lancing College from 1949; T.D. 1953; A regular performer at Aldeburgh Festival and co-produced with Benjamin Britten "Noah's Fludde" there.

Obituary.John Dennis Alston R.R.A.M. F.R.C.O. (1922 – 27); brother of Edward Alston (1925 – 29); son of Rector of Framlingham Earl, Norfolk; married to Gwyneth, daughter of the reverent Alban of Ben Rydding, Yorkshire; Gibbs Choral Scholarship (Lancing) (1927); Lancing College (1927 – 32); organist, Christchurch Albany Street, NW1 (1932 – 34); Royal Academy of Music (1933 – 36) – Stainer Exhibitor (1933/34/35); A.R.C.O. (1935); F.R.C.O. (1936); Assistant Music Master/Organist Denstone College, Staffs (1936) – Director of Music (1940) – Housemaster (1941); A.R.A.M. (1942); Officer in J.T.C.; Captain in Home Guard; Examiner for Royal Schools of Music (1948) which involved worldwide travelling over many years; Director of Music, Lancing from 1949; T.D. (1953); John's mother taught Benjamin Britten the viola who then became a close friend. John was a regular at the Aldeburg Festival and did a co-production with Britten of "Noah's Fludde" which was performed at Lancing Chapel. The funeral service was held in the local church with the rector wearing that the "Alston Cope" and an address was given by the Lancing Chaplain. Died at home on 9th of March 1996 aged 81.